PROGRAM FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Children will learn about:

• the role of the castle, both in the past and today,
• the nature of Haloze through touch,
• the importance of ponds for amphibians through the story “Žabica je rešena” (Saving the Little Frog),
• the life of bats through play,
• the characteristics of the River Drava and biodiversity,
• and perform a water movement experiment (blooming flowers).

At the end, they will receive either a bat or a frog mask.

SUITABLE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GRADES 4–6

Students will learn about:

• the geographical location of Borl Castle and the characteristics of the Haloze hills,
• the castle’s connection to the River Drava (defensive role, crossing the river by ferry-boat),
• historical facts about the castle, its owners and its role through time,
• the chronogram above the gate,
• the significance of coats of arms in the past and today and the Sauer family’s coat of arms,
• castle life in the past,
• the importance of ponds as a habitat for amphibians,
• the characteristics of the River Drava and its biodiversity,
• the life of bats,
• the natural water filtration process,
• and perform a water movement experiment.

The program concludes with the making of origami frogs or an online quiz.

SUITABLE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GRADES 1–3

Students will learn about:

• the geographical location of Borl Castle and its defensive role in the past,
• historical facts about the castle, its owners and its role through time,
• the chronogram above the gate,
• the significance of coats of arms in the past and today,
• castle life in the past,
• the characteristics of the River Drava and biodiversity,
• the life of bats,
• the importance of ponds as a habitat for amphibians,
• the natural water filtration process,
• and perform a water movement experiment (blooming flowers).

At the end, they will make a finger puppet of a frog or bat.

SUITABLE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GRADES 7–9 AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Students will explore in detail:

• the geographical location of Borl Castle and the characteristics of the Haloze hills, and learn how to locate them on a map,
• medieval society, the role of the aristocracy and the feudal system,
• the castle’s origins, and the importance and role of knights in feudal society,
• the history and importance of the Sauer family, and the connection between Borl Castle and Dornava Manor,
• coat of arms symbols, aristocratic titles (such as baron and count), social customs, dress codes, the role of religion,
• the role of marriage for the aristocracy and their marriage strategies,
• the chronogram and determine the year that the castle chapel was constructed,
• the history of the castle as an internment camp during World War II,
• the characteristics of the River Drava, the life of bats, and the natural water cycle,
• the importance of ponds as a habitat for amphibians through a story and an experiment.

The program concludes with the making of origami frogs or an online quiz with prizes for the winners.